Panthers vs Hurricanes live stream: how to watch 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final, Game 1

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It's Marc and Eric vs Jordan in the battle of the Staal brothers

Alex Lyon #34 of the Florida Panthers skates in warm-ups prior to the next game in the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs
(Image credit: Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)

Watch Panthers vs Hurricanes live stream

The Panthers vs Hurricanes (Game 1) will be live on TNT in the US tonight. In Canada, fans can watch a free Panthers vs Hurricanes live stream on CBC Sports. Aussies can tune in via Kayo, while Brits can watch on Viaplay. Read on for full details of how to watch the Panthers vs Hurricanes in Game 1 of their 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final series.

Panthers vs Hurricanes TV schedule

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Game 1: Thu, May 18, 8pm ET – TNT, CBC, SN
Game 2: Sat, May 20, 8pm ET – TNT, CBC, SN
Game 3: Mon, May 22, 8pm ET – TNT, CBC, SN
Game 4: Wed, May 24, 8pm ET – TNT, CBC, SN
*Game 5: Fri, May 26, 8pm ET – TNT, CBC, SN
*Game 6: Sun, May 28, 8pm ET – TNT, CBC, SN
*Game 7: Tue, May 30, 8pm ET – TNT, CBC, SN
FREE stream: CBC Gem (CA)
Use ExpressVPN to watch any NHL stream
Global streams: Viaplay (UK) | Kayo Sports (AUS)
US without cable: Sling 50% discount

Panthers vs Hurricanes preview – Game 1

Massive underdogs through both of the previous rounds, against all odds the Panthers have reached the Eastern Conference Final for the first time in 27 years, and their journey gets more and more extraordinary as they face the Hurricanes.

The Panthers' Marc Staal and former Stanley Cup-winning Canes captain Eric Staal are competing against their brother, the current Canes captain Jordan Staal, for a shot at the championship. Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour, meanwhile, is looking to outmatch his former mentor, Florida coach Paul Maurice, who had two stints in charge of their opponents and gave Rod the Bod his big coaching break.

Love can make people behave in strange ways, and we have no doubt that those fraternal bonds will inspire just that little bit extra from the series' main protagonists. 

The Panthers entered the playoffs as the team that everybody wanted to play, but after pulling off almighty upsets over the Bruins and Maple Leafs, there's a growing sense that this could actually be their year. The Hurricanes, who beat the Panthers twice in the regular season, need to block out all of the noise and just focus on what's in front of them: an on-fire Matthew Tkachuk.

Here's how to watch a Panthers vs Hurricanes live stream no matter where you are. The puck drops for Game 1 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT on Thursday.

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How to watch Panthers vs Hurricanes: live stream for FREE in Canada

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In Canada, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are split between Sportsnet and CBC Sports, but both services are showing the Panthers vs Hurricanes (Game 1) on Thursday. The puck drops at 8pm ET / 5pm PT. 

That means the game will also be streamed live and for free on CBC Gem. You can pay $4.99 per month for ad-free access to CBC Gem's on-demand library, but if you don't mind sitting through commercials you don't need to pay a thing.

If you're unable to tune in due to geo-blocking restrictions, a VPN is all you need to watch the action as you would at home.

For Sportsnet, an SN Now subscription costs $14.99 per month, $49.99 for four months, or $149.99 per year.

A Sportsnet Now Premium subscription costs $34.99 per month or $249.99 per year, and nets you WWE Network and coverage of the Bundesliga and FA Cup soccer, United Rugby Championship, Premiership Rugby, National Rugby League, and Super League Rugby.

How to watch Panthers vs Hurricanes from outside your country

Unfortunately, if you try to watch your domestic coverage of Panthers vs Hurricanes from somewhere other than your home country, you'll soon find a problem – geo-blocking.

That's where the broadcaster prevents you from watching your usual feed from abroad. It's a common problem for streamers all over the world, but there's an easy solution.

Use a VPN to live stream Panthers vs Hurricanes from anywhere:

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Once you've downloaded the software, just follow the prompts to install it then select the location you want to relocate your IP address to - it really is that easy.

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Panthers vs Hurricanes live stream: watch NHL Playoffs in the US without cable

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In the US, the Panthers vs Hurricanes (Game 1) is being shown live on TNT, with the puck set to drop at 8pm ET / 5pm PT on Thursday. 

Stream Panthers vs Hurricanes live without cable

If you don't have TNT on cable, you'll need a streaming service that includes it, and Sling TV is an OTT service that's especially good for NHL fans.

Its Orange package offers TNT and ESPN in most major markets, thereby covering almost all of the remaining Stanley Cup playoff games. It costs $40 a month but you can get your first month for half-price.

And remember, use a VPN to access your domestic streaming services when outside your home country - we rate ExpressVPN as the best overall.

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Panthers vs Hurricanes: live stream Stanley Cup Playoffs in the UK

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Viaplay is the exclusive NHL broadcaster in the UK and is showing the Panthers vs Hurricanes, along with every remaining game of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

Prepare for a late night though, as the puck is set to drop at 1am BST on Thursday night/Friday morning for Game 1 of the series. 

You'll have to subscribe to the Total package for coverage, which costs £14.99 per month or £143.88 per year.

As well as the NHL, Viaplay has the rights to La Liga football, the United Rugby Championship, the rugby league Championship, plus the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship and Champions Hockey League.

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How to watch NHL: live stream Panthers vs Hurricanes in Australia

FREE 7-day trial

NHL fans in Australia can watch the Panthers vs Hurricanes for free via Kayo Sports, which offers all new users a FREE 7-day trial.

Kayo lets you stream on one device with its One plan (AU$25/month), two devices with Basic (AU$30/month), and three devices Premium (AU$35 a month).

Kayo also gives you access to over 50 other sports including cricket, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour golf, NRL, F1... the list goes on! Handy if you don't want to go all out on Fox.

The Panthers vs Hurricanes (Game 1) is also being shown on ESPN via Foxtel, with the puck set to drop at 10am AEST on Friday morning. 

Not in Australia right now? Use a VPN if you're away from home, in order to tap into your domestic coverage.

Aatif Sulleyman
Aatif Sulleyman

Aatif is a freelance copywriter and journalist based in the UK. He’s written about technology, science and politics for publications including Gizmodo, The Independent, Trusted Reviews and Newsweek, but focuses on streaming at Future, an arrangement that combines two of his greatest passions: sport and penny-pinching.